FAQs

At Oceanside Animal Clinic, our Brooklyn veterinarian provides comprehensive pet wellness services, including annual exams, pet vaccinations, pet surgery, dental care and more. Whether you are a first-time pet owner or are new to our clinic, you may have questions about what to expect from our veterinary hospital. Below, our Brooklyn veterinarian Dr. Valentina Anurova answers five of your most frequently asked questions about general pet care and our services:

How often should my pet visit a veterinarian?

In general, pets who are in good health should visit the vet at least once every year for a wellness check-up and physical exam. This is an important opportunity to evaluate your pet’s overall health. Both dogs and cats are experts at hiding the symptoms of illness, which means most diseases are diagnosed at an advanced stage and can be more difficult to treat. Regular wellness exams help our Brooklyn veterinarian better monitor your pet’s health for earlier illness diagnosis. Senior pets should visit the vet every six months for this exam.

What should I expect during my pet’s first visit?

During your pet’s first visit, our vet will perform a full wellness exam. This includes a physical, fecal sample screening for parasites and blood chemistry panel to check for symptoms of internal health issues. If you are switching veterinarians, please bring a copy of your pet’s vet records, including the most recent wellness exam and a list of vaccinations. If you do not have a copy of your pet’s vaccination records or are not sure about your pet’s vaccination history, our veterinarian in Brooklyn can also vaccinate your pet during this visit.

What should I do if my pet gets sick?

Even with proactive veterinary care, our Brooklyn veterinarian understands that emergencies and illnesses do happen. Perhaps your pet ingested some leftover food that upset his stomach or contracted an illness from another pet at the dog park. Symptoms of illness in pets include vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours, noticeable lethargy (such as an unwillingness to get up or go for a walk), lack of appetite, coughing, and urinating more or less frequently. If you suspect that your pet is sick, contact our veterinarian in Brooklyn to schedule a same-day urgent care appointment.

Why is pet dental care important?

Pet cleanings are an important part of your pet’s wellness care. Pets with poor dental health not only have bad breath but are also at increased risk for gum disease and tooth loss. Nearly 3 out of 4 pets aged three years or older have periodontal disease –and many owners do not even realize it! An annual dental cleaning removes plaque buildup from your pet’s gum line and protects your pet’s oral health.

Does your Brooklyn vet provide emergency care?

Yes, our veterinarian in Brooklyn does provide emergency care during regular office hours. In the event of a life-threatening after-hours emergency, take your pet to the nearest animal emergency hospital.